2001 Plymouth Neon

▲ Better than typical
2001 Plymouth Neon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:35.144Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
49
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

29% of complaints

Complaints per year

1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 49
1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 49
1994: 3 complaints 1994 1995: 483 complaints 1995 1996: 308 complaints 1996 1997: 166 complaints 1997 1998: 167 complaints 1998 1999: 62 complaints 1999 2000: 141 complaints 2000 2001: 49 complaints 2001 49

2001: 49 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19943
1995483
1996308
1997166
1998167
199962
2000141
200149

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

29% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH

Air bags

24% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

While traveling at about 25-35 MPH consumer's vehicle ran into a tree head-on . Upon impact, both air bags did not deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-09-25

Neither air bag in front deployed when involved in an accident. Driving on highway at approximately 65 MPH, went to pass a vehicle traveling 35 MPH on interstate, when about to pass, other vehicle changed lanes and slammed on brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-04-09

A head on collision, and neither side air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2001-01-10

Electrical system

18% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing front underhood and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

When coming to or waiting at 4 way stops to turn left the car chokes and dies. This is very dangerous because sometimes I'am yielding to oncoming traffic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-24

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing engine and belts and associated pulleys.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

When backing into a parking space vehicle accelerated backwards, resulting in an impact in reverse. Vehicle was towed to dealership, and they were unable to duplicated problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-06

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Structure

10% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing underbody shields.

Show complaint excerpts

A mechanic was checking the front suspension of my car while performing a routine oil change when he noticed an excessive amount of rust and several cracks forming in the sub frame.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-30

Also filed under Suspension

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2000-11-12Child seat00V366000 Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." Some of the…

    Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.

  2. R
    2001-07-02Service brakes, hydraulic01V154000 Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. In the presence of oil and heat, the brake booster vacuum hose could swell and loosen from the intake manifold.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum hose. Owner notification began July 2, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive…

  3. I
    2002-11-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2003-04-23 Safety belt cinching latch plate
  4. R
    2008-05-22Suspension08E033000 Federal mogul is recalling 6,903 aftermarket ball joint assemblies shipped between November 9, 2007 and March 26, 2008, which may have been packaged with incorrect nuts. The part numbers packaged…

    Remedy: Federal mogul will notify owners and replace the parts free of charge. The recall began on May 22, 2008. Owners can contact federal mogul at 877-489-6659.

Buy-smart checklist

2001 Plymouth Neon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 12 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 00V366000 · Child seat
  • Recall 01V154000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 08E033000 · Suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 Plymouth Neon reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Plymouth Neon is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Plymouth Neon?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Plymouth Neon have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-08-10 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.